During, and immediately after the second World War many people grew their own vegetables, either in their own gardens, allotments or in allocated field areas.

The idea of a Middleton Horticultural Society came from a number of young men living in the village, - Doug Hopkins, Wally Hazel, Frank Dixon and others. They grew excellent vegetables, bigger and better than their neighbours and had the idea of showing them in named classes at a show, the winners of each class receiving a cup, and then selling their produce in an auction at the end of the show. The money raised was to go towards assisting the parish and Church of Middleton.

So in 1946, the Horticultural Society began and has continued each year since as a part of the village fete.

The Horticultural Society today.

Over the years it has diversified and other classes have been added. A schedule of classes is produced each year before the fete.

These include: painting, sketching and handicrafts, cookery, floral art, photography and a special class for children - under 4 years, 5-8 years and 9-12 years, as well as the garden class which includes vegetables, fruits, flowers and pot plants. With the permission of the exhibitors, the exhibits are usually auctioned at the end of the show.

The committee raises money to fund the hiring of a marquee for the show and other funding requirements to put on the show each year, by encouraging members of the public to become patrons, asking various traders to advertise in the schedule and acquiring sponsorship. Money raised by the auction is given to charities.